Union Firefighter Honored With NJ FMBA Valor Award for Lifesaving Rescue

EDISON, NJ — A Union firefighter was honored for extraordinary contributions to public safety and heroic actions within the community during the recent New Jersey FMBA Valor Awards ceremony at Pines Manor.Firefighter Owen Tansey received the NJ FMBA Valor Award for Lifesaving for his actions on July 27, 2025, when he discovered an unconscious man while off duty at Watchung Reservation.According to officials, Tansey found the man unresponsive and without a pulse. He immediately called 911 and began performing CPR on his own. After successfully restoring the man’s pulse, Tansey continued providing rescue breaths with a pocket mask to prevent the victim from going back into cardiac arrest.During his assessment, Tansey also identified signs of a possible opioid overdose and relayed critical information to responding Summit police officers, who administered Narcan at the scene.Officials said Tansey’s quick response was instrumental in saving the man’s life, particularly because the incident occurred in a low-traffic area where emergency assistance may have been delayed.“Our valor awards are New Jersey’s premier first responder event of the year,” said Ed Donnelly, a Union firefighter and president of the New Jersey FMBA. “It’s always a very special night for me when a member from my hometown is recognized. Congratulations to Owen and all the award winners.”